Beginner's Guide To Car Specs - Part II

We’ve all been there at some point: In the middle of a conversation with a car lover, they begin rattling off weird terms and numbers like a quarterback calling an audible at the line of scrimmage. Since you haven’t the foggiest idea what this stuff means, you just nod every now and then and hope you don’t get busted. And yet, this is stuff you should know — not just for the sake of your pride and manhood and holding up your end of the conversation, but so you can make better car-buying and maintenance decisions.

In Part I of our feature, we introduced you to a few of the simpler specs and terms you’re likely to come across. In Part II, we’ll get into some of the heavier fare. Obviously, we can’t cover it all in a couple of articles, but these terms will serve as a good start.

As before, we’ll rate the relevance of each term on a scale of 10 — 1 being general information that’s nice to know, and 10 being must-know terminology.

Cargo volume

Not to be confused with the decibel level of the kids in the backseat, this term refers to the cubic-foot rating of how much junk you can fit in the trunk. This is at least moderately important for buyers, since they’ll probably be filling their vehicles with luggage, groceries and other cargo from time to time. When comparing cargo volume between vehicles, pay attention to how the total volume is identified: “Luggage capacity” often refers to the volume in the trunk/area behind the seats; “maximum cargo volume” typically reflects the volume when the rear seats are folded, the storage bins are filled and when all passengers resist the urge to exhale.

Significance: 5

Power-to-weight ratio

Power-to-weight ratio is a big factor that doesn’t get the attention it deserves. This formula is derived from a vehicle's horsepower relative to its weight. With greater horsepower and lower weight, the power-to-weight ratio is favorable. As you shop for vehicles, remember that the horsepower figure is just a fraction of the performance equation; you need to consider the power-to-weight ratio if you care how well the vehicle will accelerate. This partly explains why a 2,000-pound Lotus Elise with 190 horsepower and a 5,600-pound Bentley Continental Flying Spur with 551 horsepower both cover the 0-to-60 mph dash in a whisker less than five seconds.

Significance: 7

Electronic stability control/traction control

Many vehicles are now equipped with a host of control systems that ensure safety. In a vehicle with electronic stability control, computerized sensors are on guard for any wheel slippage. When slippage is detected, the system gently applies each wheel’s antilock brake and may even curtail engine power to keep the vehicle on its intended path.

Traction control works when you’re trying to accelerate but the surface is slick. When wheelspin is detected, the system limits the power sent to the wheel or wheels for more efficient acceleration. Contrary to the belief of some, this doesn’t translate to increased traction and the ability to plow through snowbanks.

Significance: 5

Learn how to drop “turbocharger” and “curb weight” into your next conversation…